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Wael Guirguis

High-Rise Buildings are considered one of the most important branches in structural Engineering, during this course I will illustrate for you the different structural systems used in tall building, how it behaves and the advantages and disadvantages of each system. We will go through each system in details and explain it's components and straining actions acting on it with a very simple approach

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Fundamentals & Basic Concepts
What Is The Definition of a High-rise Building?
Earthquakes Loads - Resonant Frequency
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores various lateral load resisting systems, which is essential knowledge for structural engineers designing high-rise buildings
Covers earthquake and wind loads, which are critical considerations in the design of high-rise buildings in many regions
Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each system, which helps engineers make informed decisions during the design process
Examines columns shortening effects and compensation methods, which are important for ensuring the structural integrity of tall buildings
Includes a section on non-ductile frames, which may be relevant when assessing or retrofitting older high-rise structures

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Reviews summary

Overview of high-rise lateral systems

According to students, this course provides a clear and simple approach to understanding the behavior of different structural systems used in high-rise buildings. Learners appreciate the overview of various lateral load resisting systems like shear walls, diagrids, and tube systems. While the course offers a solid foundation and explains fundamental concepts well, some students feel it lacks practical application examples, especially using design software. It is often seen as suitable for students or those new to the field, but may not be detailed enough for experienced professionals seeking advanced design methods. The coverage of different system types and their basic principles is highlighted as a key strength.
Provides basics, not deep dives for experienced users.
"While good for fundamentals, experienced engineers might find it lacks depth on advanced techniques or complex scenarios."
"Covers the systems but doesn't go into advanced design considerations or optimization methods."
"A bit basic for someone already familiar with the fundamental concepts of tall building design."
Suitable for those new to high-rise lateral design.
"Great introduction to the topic, especially helpful for students or engineers starting out in high-rise design."
"Found this course perfect as a first look into lateral systems for tall buildings; provides a good foundation."
"Excellent for understanding the basics if you're new to the subject matter, explained simply."
Provides an overview of different lateral systems.
"Useful overview covering various types of lateral load resisting systems encountered in tall buildings."
"Helped me understand the basic principles behind shear walls, diagrids, and tube systems."
"The section on different systems and their pros/cons was very informative and well-structured."
Explains complex structural behavior clearly.
"The course presents the information in a clear and simple manner, making it easy to grasp complex concepts."
"Really appreciate the simple approach taken to explain the behavior of different systems..."
"I found the explanations regarding system behavior very easy to follow and understand."
Could use more practical design examples or software use.
"The course is good theoretically but lacks practical design examples using structural software like ETABS or SAP2000."
"Wish there were more detailed examples showing application in real-world design scenarios, not just theory."
"I feel the course could be enhanced with practical exercises or case studies of actual buildings."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in High-Rise Building Lateral Loads Resisting System Types with these activities:
Review Structural Analysis Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental structural analysis principles, which are essential for grasping the behavior of high-rise building lateral load resisting systems.
Browse courses on Structural Analysis
Show steps
  • Review basic concepts of stress, strain, and deformation.
  • Practice calculating reactions, shear forces, and bending moments in beams and frames.
  • Familiarize yourself with different types of structural supports and connections.
Review 'Structural Analysis' by R.C. Hibbeler
Solidify your understanding of structural analysis principles by reviewing a standard textbook.
View Structural Analysis on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to statically determinate and indeterminate structures.
  • Work through example problems to reinforce your understanding.
  • Focus on methods for analyzing beams, frames, and trusses.
Compile a Resource List of High-Rise Case Studies
Deepen your understanding of different lateral load resisting systems by researching and compiling case studies of real-world high-rise buildings.
Show steps
  • Research notable high-rise buildings and their structural systems.
  • Gather information on the design, analysis, and performance of each building.
  • Organize the information into a comprehensive resource list with links to relevant articles and reports.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Diagrid Systems
Solidify your knowledge of diagrid systems by creating a presentation that explains their behavior, advantages, and disadvantages.
Show steps
  • Research the history, design principles, and applications of diagrid systems.
  • Prepare a presentation that covers the key aspects of diagrid systems, including their structural behavior, load transfer mechanisms, and advantages and disadvantages.
  • Include visual aids such as diagrams, images, and animations to enhance understanding.
Model and Analyze a High-Rise Building in Software
Apply your knowledge of lateral load resisting systems by modeling and analyzing a high-rise building in structural analysis software.
Show steps
  • Choose a high-rise building design and select appropriate lateral load resisting systems.
  • Create a 3D model of the building in structural analysis software.
  • Apply lateral loads (wind and earthquake) according to relevant building codes.
  • Analyze the building's response to lateral loads and evaluate its performance.
Review 'Tall Building Structures: Analysis and Design' by Bryan Stafford Smith and Alex Coull
Expand your knowledge of tall building structures by studying a comprehensive textbook.
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to different lateral load resisting systems.
  • Study the examples and case studies presented in the book.
  • Focus on the analysis and design considerations for each system.
Develop a Comparative Report on Different Lateral Systems
Synthesize your understanding of different lateral load resisting systems by creating a report that compares their advantages, disadvantages, and applications.
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on different lateral load resisting systems (shear walls, frames, diagrids, outriggers, tubes).
  • Develop a set of criteria for comparing the systems (e.g., stiffness, cost, constructability, architectural impact).
  • Evaluate each system based on the criteria and summarize your findings in a comparative report.
  • Include recommendations for selecting the most appropriate system for different types of high-rise buildings.

Career center

Learners who complete High-Rise Building Lateral Loads Resisting System Types will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Structural Engineer
A structural engineer analyzes, designs, and oversees the construction of structures, ensuring their safety and stability. This course, focusing on high-rise building lateral load resisting systems, is directly relevant. A structural engineer working on high-rise projects needs a deep understanding of different structural systems, their behavior under lateral loads (wind and earthquakes), and their advantages and disadvantages. The course covers topics such as dual systems, diagrid systems, outrigger systems, and tube systems, all essential knowledge for a structural engineer working on tall buildings. Understanding column shortening, also covered in the course, is critical for high-rise design.
Wind Engineer
Wind engineers study the effects of wind on structures and develop strategies to mitigate wind-induced loads and vibrations. A deep understanding of structural systems and their response to wind forces is essential. This course is directly relevant to a wind engineer, as it focuses on the different lateral load resisting systems used in high-rise buildings, their behavior under wind loads, and their advantages/disadvantages. The course's coverage of different framing systems, diagrid systems, outrigger systems, and tube systems provides valuable insights for a wind engineer to predict and mitigate wind-induced effects, and ultimately enhance the safety and performance of tall buildings.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain the built environment, including high-rise buildings. While civil engineers have a broad scope, this course provides specialized knowledge crucial for those focusing on structural design of tall buildings. This course helps understand the behavior of various structural systems under lateral loads, such as wind and earthquakes, which is vital for ensuring the safety and stability of high-rise structures. Civil engineers will find the sections on diagrid, outrigger, and tube systems particularly helpful, along with the discussion of column shortening effects.
Structural Drafter
Structural drafters prepare detailed drawings and plans for structures based on the specifications provided by structural engineers. A good understanding of structural principles and systems enhances their ability to create accurate and clear drawings. This course provides a much better understanding of the various lateral load resisting systems used in high-rise buildings, enabling a structural drafter to produce more detailed and accurate drawings. The knowledge of components and behavior of systems like diagrids, outriggers, and tube structures, allows a structural drafter to represent them correctly in the drawings. A structural drafter looking to improve might want to take this course.
Architect
Architects design buildings, focusing on aesthetics and functionality, but they also need a solid understanding of structural systems. This course offers valuable insights into the structural aspects of high-rise buildings, which may be useful for an architect. An architect benefits from understanding the different lateral load resisting systems, their behaviors, and limitations, fostering better collaboration with structural engineers. The course's coverage of diagrid, outrigger, and tube systems provides a good foundation for an architect to appreciate the structural possibilities and constraints of different high-rise designs. An architect working on high rises may find the information presented here to be useful.
BIM Modeler
A building information modeling modeler creates detailed 3D models of buildings, including their structural systems. This course provides a better understanding of high-rise building structures, potentially helping improve the accuracy and efficiency of BIM modeling. This course helps a BIM modeler working on high-rise projects accurately represent the different lateral load resisting systems. Knowledge of the components and behavior of systems like diagrids, outriggers, and tube structures is essential for creating comprehensive and informative BIM models. An understanding of these systems allows a BIM modeler to improve their designs.
Facade Engineer
Facade engineers specialize in the design, engineering, and construction of building facades, including curtain walls and cladding systems. Understanding the structural behavior of high-rise buildings is essential for designing facades that can withstand wind loads and building movements. This course helps a facade engineer understand how different lateral load resisting systems affect the movement and deformation of a high-rise structure. This knowledge may be useful in designing facade systems that can accommodate these movements without compromising their integrity or performance. This course may be helpful for understanding the forces in a building.
Construction Manager
Construction managers plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from start to finish. While they may not directly design the structural systems, understanding the principles behind them can enhance their ability to manage high-rise building projects effectively. This course focusing on lateral load resisting systems introduces a construction manager to the different structural systems used in tall buildings, their behaviors, and components. This introductory understanding enables the construction manager to communicate effectively with engineers and subcontractors, anticipate potential challenges related to specific systems (like column shortening in tube systems), and ensure that the construction adheres to the design specifications. This may allow a construction manager to manage costs more effectively and reduce risks.
Project Manager
Project managers oversee all aspects of a construction project, including budget, schedule, and resources. While not directly involved in structural design, understanding the complexities of high-rise building structures may be useful for effective project management. This course helps a project manager appreciate the different lateral load resisting systems and potential challenges associated with each. Familiarity with concepts like column shortening, different frame systems, and the behavior of diagrid or outrigger systems allows a project manager to make informed decisions, anticipate potential risks, and ensure the project stays on track. A project manager may take this course to improve efficiency.
Cost Estimator
Cost estimators collect and analyze data to estimate the time, money, materials, and labor required for construction projects. Understanding the structural systems of high-rise buildings and their components may be useful for accurate cost estimation. This course may help a cost estimator better understand the different lateral load resisting systems utilized in high-rise construction and their associated material and labor costs. Familiarity with systems like diagrids, outriggers, and tube structures, as well as the complexities of column shortening, allows a cost estimator to develop more accurate and detailed project budgets. A cost estimator might want to take this class to be more efficient.
Urban Planner
Urban planners develop plans and programs for the use of land, including the location and design of buildings. While not focused on structural details, understanding the capabilities and limitations of different high-rise building systems may be useful when planning urban developments. This course helps an urban planner better understand the structural possibilities and constraints associated with high-rise buildings and their impact on the urban environment. Knowing about systems like diagrids or tube structures may allow an urban planner to appreciate the potential aesthetic and spatial impacts of tall buildings. An urban planner may find this course to be good for learning about building systems.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability consultants advise on strategies to minimize the environmental impact of buildings and infrastructure. Understanding the structural systems of high-rise buildings may be helpful in assessing their material usage and energy efficiency. This course may help a sustainability consultant working on high-rise projects understand the material requirements and structural efficiency of different lateral load resisting systems. This knowledge may allow a sustainability consultant to recommend design choices that minimize material consumption, optimize energy performance, and promote sustainable construction practices. A sustainability consultant may find this course to be very beneficial.
Materials Engineer
Materials engineers research, develop, and test materials used in construction, ensuring they meet required performance standards. Understanding the stresses and strains experienced by materials in high-rise structures is crucial for selecting appropriate materials. This course may help a materials engineer better understand the forces acting on different components of high-rise buildings due to lateral loads. This allows them to make more informed decisions about material selection and specification, ensuring the structural integrity and durability of the building. A materials engineer will benefit from this course.
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical engineers investigate subsurface conditions and materials to assess the suitability of a site for construction. While they don't design the superstructure, understanding the loads imposed by high-rise buildings on the ground is crucial. This course may help a geotechnical engineer better understand the types and magnitudes of lateral loads that high-rise buildings transmit to the foundation. This knowledge may be useful when assessing soil stability, designing foundations, and mitigating risks associated with settlement or soil liquefaction. A geotechnical engineer would do well do consider taking this course.
Restoration Engineer
Restoration engineers assess the condition of existing structures and design repairs or upgrades to extend their lifespan. Understanding the original structural design and any deterioration that has occurred is critical. This course may help a restoration engineer working on older high-rise buildings understand the principles behind their original lateral load resisting systems. It also allows them to identify potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses that may have developed over time. Taking this course may help an engineer decide on restorative action.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in High-Rise Building Lateral Loads Resisting System Types.
Classic reference for the analysis and design of tall building structures. It covers a wide range of topics, including lateral load resisting systems, stability analysis, and design considerations. It provides in-depth explanations of different structural systems and their behavior under various loading conditions. This book is highly recommended for anyone involved in the design of high-rise buildings and adds more depth to the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of structural analysis principles and methods. It valuable resource for understanding the behavior of structures under various loads. It is particularly helpful for refreshing knowledge on topics like influence lines, virtual work, and matrix methods, which are relevant to understanding the behavior of high-rise building systems. This book is commonly used as a textbook in structural engineering courses.

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